Executive DBA Program Details

The Penn State Smeal Executive DBA is a 3-year, hybrid doctoral program designed for senior executives who are driven to expand the boundaries of their knowledge. The program attracts intellectually curious leaders eager to explore new ideas, deepen their expertise, and produce meaningful research that shapes practice and advances their field.

Graduates emerge equipped to lead with analytical precision, drive strategic transformation, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industries. Whether aiming to elevate organizational impact, pivot to academic or advisory roles, or fulfill a personal ambition for scholarly achievement, students gain the tools and credibility to operate at the highest levels of influence. 

Program Structure

With working executives in mind, the Smeal DBA combines remote instruction with the depth of in-person connection. In-person residencies during the first and second years of the program take place at Penn State’s University Park campus, typically from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning. Between residencies, live remote classes are held approximately every other week on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. 

Classes are delivered remotely in a live, synchronous format from Smeal’s state-of-the-art teaching studios, creating an engaging and interactive classroom environment. The studios are equipped with advanced collaboration tools, including wall-sized tablets for live content sharing and dynamic markup, real-time polls, and breakout sessions—allowing faculty and students to share, discuss and apply ideas seamlessly.

Discover how the Penn State Smeal College of Business delivers an immersive hybrid learning experience designed for working professionals.

AACSB Accreditation

The Penn State Smeal College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools globally. This accreditation places Smeal among the world’s most respected institutions, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and student success.